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Mexican blindcat (Prietella phreatophila) — Ictaluridae

Mexican blindcat

Prietella phreatophila
Family: Ictaluridae

The Mexican blindcat (Prietella phreatophila) is a freshwater fish of the family Ictaluridae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Mexican blindcat is a small catfish (Ictaluridae) from underground aquifers and cave streams of northeastern Mexico in Central America. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a pale, almost colourless, scaleless body without functional eyes, with barbels around the mouth with which it feels in the dark. As a bottom-dweller it searches for small invertebrates and organic matter. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Mexican blindcat?

The Mexican blindcat has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly white.

Where does the Mexican blindcat live?

The Mexican blindcat lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Mexican blindcat get?

The Mexican blindcat grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Mexican blindcat dangerous to humans?

No, the Mexican blindcat is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Mexicaanse blinde grotmeerval sourced
English name
Mexican blindcat sourced
Scientific name
Prietella phreatophila
Family
Ictaluridae
Other names
Mexican blindcat verified

Appearance

Max length (cm)
6 inferred
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
White inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Ictaluridae

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